Debbie King

TIFF: Easy’s Waltz & Eleanor the Great

EASY’S WALTZ had its world premiere at TIFF: it’s a story steeped in moral ambiguity, and old-school Vegas charm. Las Vegas is the perfect backdrop – glitzy on the surface, but full of desperation and secrets underneath.

Photo courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival.

Nic Pizzolatto, the creator of True Detective, made his directorial debut with this feature film; a character-driven story with a touch of film noir because of its flawed characters and gritty atmosphere where glamour and decay coexist. While not shot in black-and-white, the film uses moody lighting and stylized framing to evoke that noir sensibility.

The Vegas-set drama is wrought with grit, nostalgia, and powerhouse performances. Vaughn actually sings and surprisingly, he’s not bad at all.

The film dives into the life of Easy (played by Vince Vaughn), a struggling Las Vegas crooner whose shot at stardom comes via a mysterious offer from a legendary club owner, Mickey Albano (Al Pacino). The movie blends the glitz of Vegas with a melancholic undercurrent, echoing classics like Leaving Las Vegas and Bugsy. Easy juggles self-sabotage, a chaotic younger brother (Simon Rex), a failing restaurant, and his mother’s care (Mary Steenburgen); making his rise to fame anything but smooth.

Vaughn with his wife, Kyla Weber. Photo: d. king.

Vaughn and Pacino share a compelling dynamic, with Pacino delivering a subdued but menacing performance reminiscent of his iconic mob roles. The Supporting Cast: Includes Kate Mara, Mary Steenburgen, Shania Twain, and Cobie Smulders. While some roles felt underdeveloped, the emotional core between Easy and his brother Sam adds weight.

Overall, I was mixed on this one – it was good but didn’t quite hit the high notes I was hoping for.

Vaughn’s performance as lounge singer Lew Easy earns praise for charm and vulnerability. However, the rest of the film didn’t quite match his energy. The supporting characters lacked depth, and the story didn’t give Vaughn enough to work with.

As of now, there’s no official wide theatrical release date announced beyond its TIFF debut.

Here’s another one I watched at TIFF: ELEANOR THE GREAT

Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, ELEANOR THE GREAT, is a heartfelt drama about a 94-year-old woman named Eleanor Morgenstein who’s witty, stubborn, and not ready to fade quietly into old age. After losing her best friend, Eleanor moves from Florida to New York to live with her daughter and grandson – but they’re too busy to give her much attention.

Feeling lonely and out of place, Eleanor stumbles into a group of *Holocaust survivors and, through a mix of grief and mischief, starts telling her late friend’s story as if it were her own. This little lie snowballs, especially when a young journalism student named Nina takes interest and wants to share Eleanor’s “story” with the world. What follows is a mix of emotional bonding, uncomfortable truths, and a deeper look at how we deal with loss, identity, and the need to be seen.

*With the help of the Shoah Foundation and others, Johansson was able to cast
Holocaust survivors, all around Eleanor’s age, to portray the support group.

June Squibb plays Eleanor with charm and fire, and the cast includes Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Fun fact: Johansson is the highest-grossing actor ever, after leading Jurassic World: Rebirth.

This is a poignant and character-driven drama worth watching. Expected to be released in theaters on September 26, 2025. Release in Canada by Mongrel Media.

Film Reviews

TIFF: California Schemin’

The title intrigued me before I read the word rap in the description, so I gave it a quick pass.

Photo courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

I love music and rap is not music to me. Well…actually, I don’t mind some rap. I just detest the non-stop swearing and the anger.

I decided to choose another movie starring Saoirse Ronan over this one. But then, the day before the screening, James McAvoy was in the news. He got punched by someone in a bar that I walked by every day while in Toronto on the way to screenings. ~~Had I known he was in there, I might have walked in~~. He’s okay though. So his movie sparked my intrigue – I looked it up and there it was – the rap movie I declined to see “California Schemin”…so I decided to read up on it some more.

Lesson learned: never judge a movie by one word! This was one of the best films I’ve seen at the fest – based on a true story that has way more to offer than just rap. The film dives into themes of identity, ambition, and the cost of reinvention.

This is McAvoy’s directorial debut. Based on the wild true story of Scottish rap duo Silibil N’ Brains.

Two childhood friends from Dundee – Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, dream of hip-hop stardom but are dismissed by the British music industry for their Scottish accents. So they reinvent themselves as American rappers from Southern California, complete with fake identities and flawless West Coast personas. And silly made up names. What starts as a cheeky hustle spirals into a full-blown con, as they land record deals, appear on MTV, and tour with their heroes.

It stars Samuel Bottomley and Séamus McLean Ross as the duo, with supporting roles from Lucy Halliday and Rebekah Murrell.

Critics are praising its mix of humor and heart, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 92% positive rating from early reviews.

McAvoy’s direction balances the absurdity of the con with deeper questions about identity and authenticity. He plays a small role in the film as a record studio executive.

This movie is a feel-good underdog tale that dives into themes of identity, ambition, and the cost of reinvention. And the lengths young artists will go to break through a system that refuses to take them seriously.

Not to be confused with a 2014 thriller called California Scheming, which is unrelated.

California Schemin’ is already on its way to screens, with StudioCanal leading the charge. If you see it , let me know what you think.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Christophers

THE CHRISTOPHERS is what happens when you lock a dying art legend, a brilliant forger, and two ultra-greedy adult children in a dusty London townhouse and shake vigorously. It’s less a film and more a masterclass in verbal fencing.

Photo courtesy of **The Toronto International Film Festival** (TIFF)

This was the World Premiere of another brilliant Steven Soderbergh film. Soderbergh is best known for films like Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve, Erin Brockovich, and the drug thriller Traffic – for which he won an Academy Award.

His latest film is about the art world and unfinished business…namely; unfinished masterpieces. I loved this film. Especially the performances. The fabulous Ian McKellen (he should win an Oscar for this role – truly!) plays Julian Sklar, a famous, gloriously decrepit art world relic who is equal parts genius and monster. He’s absolutely brilliant!

He’s the kind of character who’d sell his soul for a good review, then demand royalties. Not having painted for years, the once-revered British painter’s reputation took a nosedive after a scandal involving a reality TV program he was involved with. Now he’s a bit of a recluse.

One of the most intriguing characters in THE CHRISTOPHERS is played by Michaela Coel, who brings a layered complexity to the character of Lori Butler, an ex art-student who is hired by the artists’ materialistic kids to secretly forge their father’s unfinished paintings. But Lori’s motivations go beyond money. Coel is captivating in both looks and demeanour as the forger with a vendetta.

Their scenes crackle with tension, wit, and a kind of layered resentment.

The two estranged kids; Barnaby Sklar (flamboyantly played by James Corden) and Sallie Sklar (played by sharp-tongued Jessica Gunning who was last seen in Baby Reindeer – interesting casting), form a hilariously dysfunctional duo whose greed fuels the film’s central plot.

It will be interesting to see how this film fares when it’s released to theatres. No matter what anyone has to say about this film, the acting is superb on all levels.

Tiff 50 (TIFFTY) has now come to a close. It was a stimulating and entertaining mix of movie watching and get-togethers. I’ll leave you with a few pictures while I sort out my next reviews for you.

On the **TIFF Lightbox Rooftop** after the People’s Choice Awards. **Cheers to another 50!**

The lovely and talented **Sarah MacLaghlan** at the Premiere of “**Lilith Fair – Building a Mystery** – the untold story.” Photo: d. king

Producer of “Lilith Fair” – **Dan Levy.** I love this guy. Photo: d. king

Executive Producer – Boss Lady **Diane Sawyer** (ABC News – btw, *how amazing does she look?)* with **Mike Kelley**, head of ABC News Studios. Photo: d. king

A little *behind the scenes.* **Who is this man?** I know I’ve seen him before. Photo: d. king

Film Reviews

TIFF – Orwell: 2+2=5

The TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is in full swing and celebrating 50 years. Happy Anniversary TIFF! This is my second time at this amazing Festival of Festivals (it used to be called that) and it truly is a feast for any film lover with so much to choose from.

“All that matters has already been written” – George Orwell’s last words, at the age of 46, nearing death from tuberculosis.

My first film before spending 4 nights in Montreal to visit family, was the North American Premiere of 2+2=5. It was approved for a documentary by the Orwell family. I was hesitant at first because I knew it would be heavy and somewhat depressing – just like some of the books I read in high school that Orwell wrote – specifically “1984” and “ANIMAL FARM.” Although totally unrelatable at the time, I was truly fascinated by those books. But now, sadly; they’re relatable!

“2 + 2 = 5” is a metaphor for forced belief in falsehoods. It shows how a totalitarian regime can manipulate reality and demand obedience; not just in actions, but in thoughts. If the Party says 2 + 2 = 5, then you must not only say it, but believe it. It’s about breaking down your ability to trust your own logic and senses. It comes down to crazy making psychological control.

If all that matters has already been written, then why bother writing at all?

Maybe because the writer’s task is to say it better, clearer, or more urgently. Don’t count on me for that. Orwell certainly did that, as his work still punches through decades later – his books are a nod to the idea that the past holds the keys to understanding the present – and that ignoring it is dangerous.

Was Orwell an unfortunate teller? Or maybe from another planet, sent to give us mere earthlings warnings of what may come if we allow it? You’ve gotta wonder.

George Orwell wrote 1984 in 1949 as a warning, not a blueprint. He had witnessed the rise of totalitarian regimes such as Stalin’s USSR, Hitler’s Germany, and the manipulative propaganda of wartime Britain. His goal was to expose how language, surveillance, and psychological control could be weaponized to crush dissent and rewrite reality.

Orwell warned of a world where truth is manipulated (think how the media is operating) and how fear keeps people in line. In the book 1984, the protagonist, Winston, works at the Ministry of Truth. His job is to alter historical records, erasing inconvenient truths and replacing them with Party-approved versions. Quite chilling.

The iconic line spoken by Jack Nicholson as Colonel Nathan R. Jessep in the 1992 film A Few Good Men. The line was an improvisation by Nicholson; the original screenplay for the scene included the line, “You already have the truth!”.

Makes you wonder what the actual truth is sometimes.

Even though this documentary was about Orwell, there were other authors who also wrote dystopia fiction and philosophical resistance to authoritarianism and such:

Aldous Huxley (BRAVE NEW WORLD) imagined a society where people are pacified by pleasure and distraction. Pleasure as control, consumerism, loss of identity.

Ray Bradbury (FAHRENHEIT 451) about censorship and intellectual freedom.

H.G. Wells (THE WAR OF THE WORLDS) is a classic example of dystopian fiction, and one of its simplest and most chilling illustrations of dystopia is this:

One day, without warning, giant alien machines descend from the sky. They’re far more advanced than anything humans have ever built. They don’t communicate. They don’t negotiate. They just start obliterating cities, vaporizing people, and harvesting humans like cattle. Society collapses almost instantly. Governments fail. Technology is useless. People flee in terror, and survival becomes the only goal. Talk about chilling! And more recenty…

Margaret Atwood (THE HANDMAID’S TALE) about gender, power, and resistance.

These authors didn’t just write fiction—they wrote philosophical warnings. Each one tackled the question of how societies can be shaped, controlled, and ultimately dehumanized.

How does this resonate with today? These versions aren’t just relics of the past – they feel like blueprints for dissecting today’s world, by recognizing the tension between individuality and conformity.

They’re like flashlights in a foggy digital age. They tackle:

Mass surveillance: Governments and corporations track digital footprints – think facial recognition, data mining, and predictive algorithms.

Disinformation: “Fake news,” deepfakes, and algorithmic echo chambers mirror Orwell’s “doublethink” and “newspeak.”

Censorship & control: In some regimes, dissent is criminalized, and history is rewritten – Ministry of Truth lives on.

So was 1984 a warning or a manual? It was unquestionably a warning, but one so precise and psychologically astute, that it inadvertently became a toolkit for control.

About the film:

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro) takes a deep dive into the writing of George Orwell (1984) to explore its potent relevancy to our current times.

George Orwell titled his dystopian 1949 novel 1984, but it feels utterly current in 2025 when phrases like “Big Brother is watching you” might refer to Big Government, Big Business, or Big Technology. Orwell is overdue for a fresh look and filmmaker Raoul Peck makes for an incisive and stirring guide. Peck has long put great writers at the centre of his work, most notably in his Oscar-nominated documentary I Am Not Your Negro about James Baldwin.

“I knew that I had a facility with words and a power of facing unpleasant facts,” Orwell wrote. Those simple assets carried him far. While he’s best known as the author of Animal Farm and 1984, this film opens us to a wider range of his writing that drew from his personal experience of poverty in Down and Out in Paris and London, of colonialism in Burmese Days, and of revolutionary uprising in Homage to Catalonia.

Peck pulls lines and impressions from these works and others, enlisting British actor Damian Lewis to embody the voice of the author. Visually, Peck uses film footage from multiple adaptations of 1984 and Animal Farm. He layers in contemporary news and documentary footage to evoke the alarming rise of totalitarianism, surveillance, and government violence in our present day.

It’s both conversely reassuring and frightening to see how much analysis Orwell brought to what we’re experiencing today. –THOM POWERS

TIFF is on until September 14th, 2025:

https://tiff.net/films/

News

TIMING

Big News! I’m thrilled to share that my blog was ranked #9 in the Top 40 Best Vancouver Lifestyle Blogs to Read and Follow in 2025 by FeedSpot!

These days I’m feeling unencumbered, footloose and fancy free. I have no baggage except for the bags I use to travel with, and my only responsibility is for two lovely furry friends. It’s a light as feather feeling.I don’t know what lies ahead but I know it will be better than before. I read my horoscope just for fun. I usually treat a horoscope like seasoning…just a pinch, never the whole recipe for life. But I love my horoscope this week; especially the part where I get back on my throne and see the bull’s eye straight ahead.

“If you’ve been busy holding onto your sense of identity or material security, but forgetting to reveal your most authentic, real self to the world, Cap, you’ve got to snap out of it and get back on the throne, glaring straight at the bull’s eye that lies ahead of you. And hey, you needn’t rush or push or do any of that. You can simply assert your independence creatively while also striking that balance to get your headspace in order. Test new waters, but also wait for the right timing to make your moves. A good leader is one who knows how to put the team first while also creating space for themselves.”

Well, this is a team of one so guess I’ll be putting myself first and creating more space for….me!I’ve been working on a personal project that I’ve been thinking about doing for a long time and the time has come. I’ll let you know more about it when it comes to fruition as it will take a bit of time – but time is on my side since it’s all I have right now.

In the meantime I’ve received a little unexpected recognition and there’s something extra special about that, not to mention the perfect timing – it’s like the universe giving a little wink.

Feedspot’s editorial team reviewed thousands of blogs across the web, judging them on relevancy, domain authority, content quality, social media following, and freshness – and I made the cut. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many talented creators.

If you’re not familiar with Feedspot, it’s a global content discovery platform with roots in the U.S. It helps users follow and organize updates from blogs, podcasts, news sites, YouTube channels, and RSS feeds – all in one place. With over 2.4 million monthly visitors, it’s a go-to resource for marketers, PR pros, and media enthusiasts looking to connect with top voices in every niche.

Here’s what they had to say about my blog:

9. Girl Who Would be KING

Blog https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/
Girl Who Would Be KING is an elegant lifestyle blog that blends mindfulness, style, wellness, and personal growth. It’s about appreciating small rituals, celebrating everyday elegance, nurturing your habits, and finding inspiration.

Here are the rest:

https://bloggers.feedspot.com/vancouver_lifestyle_blogs/

Thank you. I’m feeling grateful

THINKAboutit

Musings….for the love of Dogs

It’s not money, it’s not diamonds, it’s not gold or other material things ~~okay, maybe a little~~. One of the secrets to happiness is enjoying canine companionship.

**Layla** (lying down) & **Adele.** Photo: d. king

My friend sent me a link to a book entitled THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE – a uniquely insightful, uplifting, emotional, and informative book that shows us how dogs make our lives better by making us better people.

I’m totally on board with this. A dog did change my life. Actually, we changed each other’s lives. His name was Jia Jia. I wrote a story about how he changed my life (link at bottom if you’re interested – he passed away five years ago). Now I have two reunited litter-mate sheltie females that are maybe not my whole world ~~okay, maybe a little~~, but definitely make my world whole. I could go so far as to say that they complete me. I cannot imagine my life would be complete without them.

Why do dogs make us better people you might ask?

Because they have an uncanny ability to bring out the best in us. Whether it’s through their loyalty, their boundless joy, or their quiet companionship, they shape our character in ways that are both subtle and profound. You heard the phrase “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”

Dogs rely on us for care. We tend to their needs by feeding, walking, comforting and it helps cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility and emotional awareness. And in return, they offer unconditional love. And love is all or most of what we need.

They love bones too, but don’t have one bad bone in their bodies. They do not disappoint, abuse or abandon us. Only people do that.

Their ability to sense our moods encourages us to be more attuned to others’ feelings.

Dogs live in the moment. They don’t worry about tomorrow or dwell on yesterday. They like routine. Simple things like a walk, a treat, a belly rub that reminds us to slow down and appreciate life’s small joys.

Dogs get us outside, moving, and engaging with the world. They can be ice breakers.

They make us more mindful. They help reduce stress and anxiety, making us calmer and more emotionally balanced.

Have you ever known a dog to hold a grudge? They don’t. They forgive quickly and love fiercely. Their loyalty inspires us to be more devoted and trustworthy in our relationships.

And that’s a big part of having a wonderful life – at least for this girl!

You know the funny thing about all of this? I used to be a cat person!

https://girlwhowouldbeking

.com/2020/05/19/jia-jia-2002-2020-a-dogs-purpose/

entertainment

WAITRESS

My friend Rosa and I had the pleasure of watching a very well baked musical last night. The whole cast did an amazing job.

WAITRESS; the hit Broadway Musical by Sara Bareilles, is playing in Vancouver at the Arts Club Theatre Company’s Stanley Stage – Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Based on the motion picture by Adrienne Shelly, WAITRESS is the first Broadway musical with an all-female creative team which is a landmark moment in theatre history.

The show adds depth and warmth through song. At its core, WAITRESS follows Jenna, a gifted pie-maker trapped in an abusive marriage and an unexpected pregnancy. She works at a small-town diner and dreams of a better life.

Her journey unfolds through a bonded friendship with fellow waitresses Becky and Dawn, and a complicated affair with her gynecologist, Dr. Pomatter, who is also married.

Kamyar Pazandeh and Rachel Drance in Waitress, 2025; set and costume design by Cory Sincennes; lighting design Michelle Ramsay; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

It’s light hearted and a little crazy in parts, however; Jenna’s growth is the heart of the show; her self discovery is about learning to reclaim her voice, her dreams and her independence.

It’s not just about romantic love; it’s about choosing yourself, finding joy in small things, and baking your way through pain.

Rachel Drance and Jacob Woike in Waitress, 2025; set and costume design by Cory Sincennes; lighting design Michelle Ramsay; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

It’s a show that leaves you feeling full in every sense. But I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t craving a piece of pie after the show.

It’s here in Vancouver only until August 3^rd, 2025 – link for tickets from only $39 here: https://artsclub.com/shows/

THINKAboutit

Musings…Letting Go

Letting go… those two words feel like a slow exhale after holding your breath for too long.

They conjure up images that are both luminous and ominous. We can experience both simultaneously and it isn’t always graceful.

We’ve all been there… about the many things we choose to let go of, and the many things we must let go of. That balance between the deliberate and the inevitable produces two very different kinds of release. I believe that depending on the circumstance, one teaches us to act, and the other to learn to accept. Deliberate letting go is a choice. Inevitable letting go arrives uninvited. Balance is found in the grace to move forward whether with intention or acceptance, and to trust that either way, we’re being reshaped for what’s next.

Letting go of old grudges and resentments once we realize they cost us peace of mind is a good thing. Also; habits we’ve outgrown, and of course, relationships that no longer align with our values. It comes with ambiguous moments when it’s not always clear whether letting go is right, or whether we’re abandoning something too soon.

Then life hands us endings we didn’t choose. People we lose through passing, change or distance. Losing someone you love through death is the worst kind of ending. There’s no controlling that outcome and no turning back. Sometimes it’s health related, although I’m a firm believer of being able to control our health to a large extent through diet and a stress-free lifestyle. There are the opportunities that vanish before we have a chance to change the outcome. The only things beyond our control are youth and time. Everything else is negotiable.

Sometimes letting go feels like being pulled apart, only to be stitched together again with completely different threads. But it’s almost always a kind of rebirth, even when it’s messy. The feelings of estrangement and unfamiliar clarity that come with new changes can also open doors to resilience and reinvention.

Through all the letting go in my life that has come from either a great loss or the relief of a welcomed new beginning, I’ve always had a knack for re-inventing myself to accommodate the new circumstances. Some people are better at this than others. It doesn’t take away the pain, it just gives you an opportunity for a different kind of freedom.

For me personally, for where I’m at right now, letting go is about making space. It’s about making room for something better aligned with who I am at this moment in time.

Space for new people, fresh ideas, ~~clothes~~ …growth. An overall feeling of lightness and freedom. I want my inner world to feel as rich as my outer one. I feel like I’m stepping into a new version of myself. A stronger, healthier version, albeit with a quiet acceptance that doesn’t need fixing or forcing. There’s more of a flow and a trust that life will unfold the way it’s supposed to organically, rather than trying to bend it to my will. That’s what I’m telling myself and since repeated thoughts can form beliefs, and beliefs influence actions, over time they become reality.

Here’s something that resonated with me because it’s not always easy to let go of something beyond our control (I’ve had it for a while but cannot remember where I found it).

We spend our lives trying to anchor our transience in some illusion of permanence and stability. We lay plans, we make vows, we backbone the flow of uncertainty with habits and routines that lull us with the comforting dream of predictability and control, only to find ourselves again and again bent at the knees with surrender to forces and events vastly larger than us. In those moments, kneeling in a pool of the unknown, the heart breaks open and allows life; life itself, not the representation of life, that comes from control, to rush in.

Let your heart be broken: Life and Music from a classical composer – Tina Davidson

Notes:

“If you’re already familiar with my blog, thank you for checking in. I do appreciate it. These “musings” from the margins of my mind, give me an opportunity to share a deeper side of myself that does not always (or ever) come through in my regular blog posts revolving around style, food and fun. This is, after all, a Life and Style blog. From the in-betweens of everyday life, this space holds thoughts that wander, questions without answers, and reflections on what it means to simply be. It’s unpolished, personal, and often quietly profound. I hope you enjoy exploring the challenging depths we all carry. On another note:

In my Vancouver book club, we were all on the same page (pun intended) so to speak, by choosing books that would help provide some grounding wisdom and direction when life felt uncertain or overwhelming. We were going through similar feelings and it was good to share thoughts and pages with like-minded people.

For instance; our first book BITTERSWEET by Susan Cain – helped to get us through a grief period. Next came LETTING GO: The Pathway of Surrender” by Dr. David R. Hawkins – to help seek emotional healing. The book blends clinical insight with spiritual depth, making it useful for everyday challenges like stress, relationships, and self-worth. It was a great follow-up after “Bittersweet.”

One of its most quoted lines is: “Letting go involves being aware of a feeling, letting it come up, staying with it, and letting it run its course without wanting to make it different or do anything about it.” (Easier read than done).

Then we had enough of all that self growth re moving forward. We graduated to a book that explains us all: SAPIENS: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – a fast-paced journey through human history; from ancient foragers to modern-day tech. It’s a mix of history, science, and philosophy, all wrapped in a thought-provoking narrative.

Now on to the next chapter…

How about you? Is there something you’ve had to move on from recently?

Food + Drink

Pop-Up Picnic at the Parq

THIS was no Picnic in the Park…

The Eiffel Tower was not in view…although you could almost hear Édith Piaf singing from a nearby vintage radio.

When our waiter popped the cork, it echoed briefly between buildings before being absorbed by laughter. THIS was more of an experience than an actual picnic.

It was a leisurely outdoor afternoon wrapped in beauty and bubbles. The scent of lavender was everywhere.

I always like to have at least one picnic in the summer time. One that involves spreading out a blanket under a tree on a grassy area, along with my dogs. But this time I elevated the experience to having a French picnic on a rooftop with a few friends. One that involved beautiful champagne, soft brie with figs, truffle frites, charcuterie and other bites.

The JW Marriott Parq Hotel Vancouver has turned the 17^th floor rooftop into a Va-Va-Va-Veuve detail oriented happening. The instantly recognizable famous champagne’s yellow label was not only on the champagne bottles, but also in the ambiance with décor like tablecloths, champagne flutes and umbrellas. Even a fridge!

The VEUVE CLICQUOT story has a tale as effervescent as the champagne itself.

Veuve Clicquot isn’t just a Champagne brand; it’s a legacy of innovation, resilience, and elegance. But it didn’t start out that way. Here’s a little history off the top of my head (like you believe that!).

Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, the house originally dealt in banking and textiles, alongside wine. His son, François Clicquot, officially took over the champagne business in 1801, when Philippe retired.

Madame Clicquot, born Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, was a 27-year-old widow in 1805 when her husband François Clicquot died suddenly. At a time when women couldn’t legally run businesses unless widowed, she boldly took over the struggling family wine company and transformed it into a global champagne empire.

In 1810, she created the first known vintage champagne, daring to bottle wine from a single exceptional harvest year – a radical move that elevated champagne’s prestige. She also pioneered Rosé Champagne: In 1818, she blended red wine with her Yellow Label to create the first blended rosé Champagne. Thank you Ms. Clicquot – we’re so happy that your little experiment worked out so well, for so many of us.

The brand also had a cultural impact. Veuve Clicquot helped make Champagne the drink of celebration, thanks in part to Russian soldiers who adored it during the Napoleonic wars. No wonder we always think of champagne for everything Anniversaries, Weddings and to make a toast on New Year’s Eve.

The brand hosts the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, a celebrity-studded event in New York and Los Angeles.

For the first time, JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and Veuve Clicquot have opened their rooftop pop-up to the public, not just hotel guests. LePicnic Patio: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, now through August 30th. Located on the 17th floor of JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, rooftop Aqua Lounge and JW Garden. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

How to book:

For non-hotel guests, bookings are available online.
Hotel guests can access the 17th floor Aqua Lounge directly, across from the Spa by JW.

Je te souhaite bonne santé et bonne chance!

Lisa + Tammy

Art & Culture

Folk Music Festival

This quote sums it up: “It’s a folk singer’s job to comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people.” – Woody Guthrie; legendary folk singer and activist. This is a profound quote which captures the spirit and two faces of Folk music: one that soothes those struggling with turmoil, and another that shakes those settled in complacency. Wow! I love it.

Nothing brings people together quite like the shared language of food and music. One nourishes the body and the other, the soul. It started off with a shindig on Friday night just before the music started.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is taking place all weekend long from Friday, July 18th to Sunday, the 20th. It’s an annual event held at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, B.C. celebrating folk and roots music. The festival, now in it’s 48^th year, aims to foster community, connect people through music, and support emerging artists. It’s a fantastic celebration of “world class” music.

It features a diverse range of international, national, and local artists, along with activities like dancing, food and local artist vendors, and children’s areas.

Many people are confused as to what Folk Music represents.

Folk Music has evolved over the years. In the early days it relied heavily on acoustic instruments like banjos, fiddles and harmonicas with simple melodies, relatable lyrics and themes from everyday life. Artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez used folk as a tool for protest and social change. Traditional Folk Music has always been about connecting people to their cultural roots.

Now, artists from all over the world incorporate folk elements, creating a hybrid of traditions. Folk now often mixes in with pop, rock, electronica, even hip-hop. It can be more bluesy or jazzy and even have a Middle Eastern bent. However, its soul of storytelling, authenticity and human connection remains intact. Every region has it’s own folk traditions. Be it Irish, Indian, Appalachian and West African to name a few…but each region is wildly different in sound and purpose.

I thoroughly enjoy attending this event every year. The outdoor space is large and lush. There are several stages set up in various locations and always something happening throughout. You can wander around and visit the local vendors, go to the beer garden or grab a bite from a handful of local and ethnic food trucks. You can also walk out of the gate and sit on the beautiful beach for a bit. No shortage of things to do and see.

Edith Marin makes gorgeous beaded art jewelry. Each piece tells a story. “Blue Deer” huichol art.

For tickets and information please visit:

https://thefestival.bc.ca/

Donations, especially monthly contributions, help ensure the festival can continue its tradition of bringing “world-class” music to Vancouver. If you would like to donate to this well thought out, well organized and amazing festival here’s the link:

https://thefestival.bc.ca/giving/one-time-donation/

A playful reminder that music is made by people, for people is this witty quote from Louis Armstrong: “All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”

When you hear about Folk Music, what kinds of images or feelings come to mind for you?